Freight Driver Work Hours: UK Rules, Limits, and What Really Matters

When you’re behind the wheel of a heavy goods vehicle, freight driver work hours, the legal limits on how long a truck driver can operate a vehicle in the UK. Also known as HGV driving hours, these rules aren’t just paperwork—they’re what keep you, your cargo, and everyone else on the road safe. In the UK, these hours are strictly controlled by the EU Driving Time Regulations, which still apply post-Brexit under domestic law. If you’re hauling goods across the country, you need to know exactly how many hours you can drive, when you must stop, and what counts as rest.

There’s a big difference between what’s legal and what’s tempting. You might think pushing past 10 hours is fine if you’re close to your destination, but one violation can cost you your license, your job, or worse. The rules say you can drive a maximum of 9 hours in a single day—though you can stretch that to 10 hours twice a week. After that, you need at least 11 hours of continuous rest. And yes, that means no skipping sleep to make a delivery. EU driving hours, the set of regulations governing driver rest and driving time in Europe, now adopted into UK law also require a 45-minute break after every 4.5 hours of driving. That break can be split into two parts: 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes, but only if the first break comes after the first 2 hours.

It’s not just about driving time. HGV driver hours, the total time a driver is on duty, including driving, loading, and paperwork include all work-related tasks. That means if you’re unloading, waiting at a dock, or filling out logs, it still counts toward your daily limit. You can’t work more than 60 hours total in a week, and you must have at least 45 hours of rest each week—unless you’re taking two reduced rest periods, which must be balanced with extra rest later. These aren’t suggestions. They’re enforced by roadside checks, tachograph data, and DVSA audits. Skip them, and you’re not just risking your job—you’re risking your freedom.

Some drivers think they can outsmart the system—by turning off the tachograph, falsifying logs, or hoping no one checks. But today’s digital tachographs record everything: speed, location, rest periods, even engine idle time. And the DVSA doesn’t just check logs randomly—they target high-risk operators. One bad inspection can shut you down for weeks. The smartest drivers don’t push limits—they plan around them. They know that a 10-minute extra rest might save them a 10-day suspension.

Below, you’ll find real advice from drivers who’ve been there. From how to manage rest during long hauls to what happens when you misread the rules, these posts give you the facts without the fluff. Whether you’re new to HGV driving or looking to avoid costly mistakes, the guides here will help you stay legal, stay safe, and stay on the road longer.